§ 73. Mr. T. Johnstonasked the First Commissioner of Works the approved price per square yard paid for brick building at the new ordnance factory at Bishopton; the type of brick used; and the number of bricklayers employed?
§ The First Commissioner of Works (Sir Philip Sassoon)It is the practice to regard as confidential the unit prices used in compiling tenders given in competition. The principal types of brick which are being used in the construction of the Bishopton factory are common bricks, facing bricks and a small quantity of engineering and acid-resisting bricks. The number of bricklayers at present engaged is 67.
§ Mr. JohnstonIn view of the fact that the price paid by this Government factory is many times the price paid for bricks in the building of housing schemes in Glasgow, and in view of the fact that we cannot get houses built in sufficient numbers in Glasgow, will the First Commissioner not give us officially the figures paid in this Government scheme?
§ Sir P. SassoonI am afraid I cannot do that. These common bricks arid facing bricks are all supplied by Scottish firms.
§ Mr. JohnstonIn view of the public importance of this question will the First Commissioner give a statement showing the price paid per square yard by this factory?
§ Sir P. SassoonAs I have said, it is not in the public interest to give these prices.
§ Sir P. SassoonYes, it was put up for tender.
§ Mr. McEnteeIs it not, in fact, easy for the Department to give the figures? As every Department has them, they must be available in the. Department of the First Commissioner.
§ Sir P. SassoonIt is not in the public interest to give such figures in the case of contracts put up for tenders.